Kelly Clarkson Speaks Out on Clive Davis 'Feud'

Kelly Clarkson is finally speaking out to clear up rumors about her relationship with label head Clive Davis after the two had creative differences over her latest record.

"There has been quite a bit of controversy surrounding the release of My December, much of which has focused on a supposed feud with my record label, in particular, Clive Davis," Clarkson says in a statement posted on her Web site Monday.

"I want to set the record straight on this by saying that I want my band, my advisors, those close to me and my record label to be one big, tightly knit family. Like any family we will disagree and argue sometimes but, in the end, it's respect and admiration
that will keep us together.

"A lot has been made in the press about my relationship with Clive. Much of this has been blown way out of proportion and taken out of context. Contrary to recent characterizations in the press, I'm well aware that Clive is one of the great record men of all time. He has been a key advisor and has been an important force in my success to date. He has also given me respect by releasing my new album when he was not obligated to do so. I really regret how everything has turned out and I apologize to those whom I have done disservice. I would never intentionally
hurt anyone. I love music, and I love the people I am blessed to work with. I am happy that my team is behind me and I look forward to the future."

It's been a tumultuous couple months for Clarkson, 25, who recently fired her manager and shelved her summer tour after a public clash with Davis over the direction of her latest album, My December, the first disc she co-produced and wrote entirely.

Davis reportedly voiced concerns that the album, released last month, didn't have a guaranteed radio hit (her first single, "Never Again," peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard charts). Clarkson, meanwhile, complained that the label was trying to force her into a more mainstream pop direction. (At one point, she said the label asked her to cover a Lindsay Lohan track. "They were just sending me stuff that was like almost insulting," she told MTV. "I'm like, 'You can't even find new songs? You don't want me to write my album but you're sending me hand me downs?' ")

As for her relationship with Davis, she told USA Weekend earlier this month: "I'm going to be real honest with you: I am not a fan [of Davis]...I do respect him, but I don't want to barbecue with him. We don't braid each other's hair. And, despite the rumors, he is nowhere near a father figure."